How to prepare for a c-section

[Anonymous]

I just got news that I will most likely need a c-section and will require 6-8 weeks of recovery. I am taking 14-16 weeks off and my husband gets 6 weeks off. Besides his help, what can we do to prepare and make this a much easier recovery? We would prefer to have no hired help or visitors for the first month. I plan to breastfeed.

[Anonymous]

Honestly knowing you will have the c-section is better than an emergency c-section and you will recover quicker than the latter. Stay in the hospital for more than an overnight if possible. The first week will be a little tough getting in and out of bed but then you should bounce back pretty quick just need to be careful about lifting anything heavy for a few weeks

[Anonymous]

start taking a stool softener every single day starting 2 weeks before. I wish someone would have told me that with the first. Have everything you need on one level do you don’t have to go up and down stairs.

[Anonymous]

I remember my doctor said after two weeks I would feel 70% better and I found that to be spot on. At 14 days post op I felt pretty good! The first two weeks is tough but it gets better fast, so don’t be discouraged

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly knowing you will have the c-section is better than an emergency c-section and you will recover quicker than the latter. Stay in the hospital for more than an overnight if possible. The first week will be a little tough getting in and out of bed but then you should bounce back pretty quick just need to be careful about lifting anything heavy for a few weeks

+1 I had an emergency c-section after 24 hours of labor. You hopefully will be better rested with a scheduled c-section. The most difficult part was not lifting anything heavy for a few weeks.

[Anonymous]

I found my planned c-section easier to recover from than my vag delivery. No sore nether regions. Bleeding cleaned up faster. My abs were in decent shape from the gym and I think that contributed.

[Anonymous]

Stay in hospital longer as PP mentioned, maybe get a night nurse for couple of weeks.
Then house keeper (2X per week) to help with laundry/cleaning and cooking. I wished we did these, would be worth the $.

OP, the hardest part was the core muscle, I wasn't able to lift up to get out of bed by myself , had to roll to the floor then on my knees and pull up. Should have a chair near by to help with lifting up? If you are fit, you might not have this...

[Anonymous]

If you plan to get yourself snacks, make tea etc be sure you put lightweight dishes and cups on countertop. My Made In dishes are really heavy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:start taking a stool softener every single day starting 2 weeks before. I wish someone would have told me that with the first. Have everything you need on one level do you don’t have to go up and down stairs.

Oh definitely. I might even do a total cleanup before then and stick the fridge with stuff like kale and apples.
Also a good nursing pillow. I ha my Brest Friend is they still make that plus a boppy.

Figure you won’t be able to get out of bed the first couple nights in hospital so make sure your partner knows they are expected to get you stuff including the baby especially if baby is rooming in.

Bring cortisone cream to hospital.

Plan on wearing soft high waisted pants and undies. Take as many of the mesh stretch underwear from the hospital as you can. Those are the most comfy over the c section scar.

[Anonymous]

I haven’t had a c section but I have had three kids and my advice would be, if possible, get as much exercise as you can (walking and such, not boot camp) now. Being in good shape will make your recovery easier - regardless of the type of birth you are having.

As a mom of 3, I would also really encourage you to be open to outside help - either paid or family. Being a new mom, especially a first time mom, can be very isolating. There is a physical and mental recovery period that happens after birth and it is really hard to take care of yourself when you are taking care of a baby that needs you all the time. My husband and I never had paid help with any of our kids and we had minimal family help due to distance, and it’s hard - and I had incredibly easy physical recoveries with my kids.

Lastly, with breastfeeding - be open to supplementing, if needed, and be open to ending before your desired date if it’s not working for you or your child.

Be flexible!

[Anonymous]

Stomach binder was a life saver for me (I think they gave me one in the hospital). I wore it 24 hours/day for the first week.

Also second the advice to workout now if you can. Nothing intense, but I rowed about 3000m several times per week until I was 38 weeks and I think it made a difference in being able to move without pain after my c-section.

[Anonymous]

I agree with all of the above advice.

Make sure not to do any housework at all for the first two weeks (seriously) and make sure DH understands this as well. Dishwasher, laundry, sweeping or vacuuming- truly just don’t attempt any of that. I’ve know a few people to rip their incisions open this way (even if 98% of the time it would be fine- not worth it). DH should be doing 100% of that by himself (or hire someone) for those few weeks.

On the flip side, take tons of brief walks. Get up and walk as soon as they let you at the hospital, and try to walk daily once you get home. Just avoid lifting the stroller.

[Anonymous]

Can you stock your freezer with high protein foods? Chicken stews, meat sauce, etc. Easier for your spouse to pull something out and heat it up than figure out what to make for dinner. Set up deliveries of fresh fruits and veggies ahead of time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:start taking a stool softener every single day starting 2 weeks before. I wish someone would have told me that with the first. Have everything you need on one level do you don’t have to go up and down stairs.

Oh definitely. I might even do a total cleanup before then and stick the fridge with stuff like kale and apples.
Also a good nursing pillow. I ha my Brest Friend is they still make that plus a boppy.

Figure you won’t be able to get out of bed the first couple nights in hospital so make sure your partner knows they are expected to get you stuff including the baby especially if baby is rooming in.

Bring cortisone cream to hospital.

Plan on wearing soft high waisted pants and undies. Take as many of the mesh stretch underwear from the hospital as you can. Those are the most comfy over the c section scar.

What snacks should I pack for the hospital and at home? I’m sure we will be relying on delivery for meals but having available easy snacks might be helpful.

What does cortisone cream do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I haven’t had a c section but I have had three kids and my advice would be, if possible, get as much exercise as you can (walking and such, not boot camp) now. Being in good shape will make your recovery easier - regardless of the type of birth you are having.

As a mom of 3, I would also really encourage you to be open to outside help - either paid or family. Being a new mom, especially a first time mom, can be very isolating. There is a physical and mental recovery period that happens after birth and it is really hard to take care of yourself when you are taking care of a baby that needs you all the time. My husband and I never had paid help with any of our kids and we had minimal family help due to distance, and it’s hard - and I had incredibly easy physical recoveries with my kids.

Lastly, with breastfeeding - be open to supplementing, if needed, and be open to ending before your desired date if it’s not working for you or your child.

Be flexible!

I’m very active and have been throughout my entire pregnancy. I had to slow down these past couple of months but I ran until 28 weeks. Now I mostly walk and do stretching.